Greif builds in protection

CUBIC CAPABILITY

PRODUCTS • NEW TECHNOLOGIES ARE CONSTANTLY EMERGING IN THE INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING SECTOR AND GREIF MAKES EVERY EFFORT TO STAY AT THE FOREFRONT

GREIF, ONE OF the world leaders in industrial packaging, has recently been investing heavily in developing some exciting new technologies in its intermediate bulk container (IBC) portfolio, GCUBE. Particularly suited to the chemical industry, IBCs are used to safely transport a variety of solid and liquid products, including hazardous materials and those that require safe handling.

Two years ago, Greif launched GCUBE Shield technology, a revolutionary barrier protection for its IBCs. The GCUBE Shield technology provides an intermediate layer in IBCs that reduces the permeation of gases both in and out of the polyethylene container. Users benefi t from a longer product shelf life, a reduction in dangerous emissions into the air and increased protection of the product inside against oxygen permeation from outside the container.

Furthermore, GCUBE Shield is 100 per cent recyclable. The innermost layer remains 100 per cent high density polyethylene (HDPE), which complies with current legislation for food and chemical compatibility, and the outer layer is customisable. All these attributes make the GCUBE Shield technology not only suitable for the chemical industry, but also for agrochemicals, paint, fl avours and fragrances and food and beverage.

BETTER AND WIDER Alongside this Greif has been working on smart packaging technologies for its IBCs as part of a broader drive to help reduce waste and conserve resources. Greif’s GCUBE Connect technology gives real-time tracking information about a user’s IBC. A customer-

GREIF IS CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING ITS IBCS TO HELP based dashboard displays in real time where an IBC is sited, the level of the fi lled product and the ambient temperature.

Luca Bettoni, IBC and plastic product manager, EMEA, at Greif, says: “Much of our innovation strategy for GCUBE is driven by the need to develop more sustainable solutions for our customers while at the same time ensuring product integrity and safety. Already this year we have launched an IBC containing transparent post-consumer resin (PCR) in the bottle and, although currently regulations do not permit the use of IBCs made with PCR for hazardous materials, there are ongoing discussions around this topic taking place within the industry.”

Other signifi cant developments in Grief’s GCUBE IBC portfolio include GCUBE Elektron, which uses special multi-layer technology and is approved for EX zones. GCUBE Food offers food-safe technology for the food industry and GCUBE Flex combines a rigid GCUBE IBC with an aseptic liner, designed to be suitable for food, pharma and cosmetic applications.

Bettoni adds: “IBCs offer cost-effective transportation and storage, ease of maintenance and are reusable, making them a popular choice for many industries. Investment in our GCUBE IBC capabilities will continue to be a priority for Greif as we look to develop packaging solutions that meet customers’ requirements and offer sustainable value.”

Greif has become one of the fastest growing and highest investing companies in terms of IBC production and has a global network of facilities. Recognised as a world leader in industrial packaging products and services, Greif has almost 300 operating locations situated across more than 40 countries. www.greif.com